wind ensemble

A spotlight will shine on student-musicians as they display their talent and unity in Harvestfest, the first joint musical concert of the year, on Wednesday and Thursday in the auditorium.

The two-part concert is comprised of Harvestfest I and II. In Harvestfest I, Jubilee Singers, directed by music teacher Sheldon Reid, and Tiger Bebop, Jazz Ensemble 1, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble, directed by music teacher Richard Labedz, will perform. Harvestfest II will feature Vocal Ensemble, Concert Choir, Family Singers, Orchestra, and String Ensemble, directed by music teacher Adam Grossman.

Students have been working towards this concert since the beginning of the year. According to Grossman, the year begins with “building on the ensemble and understanding who we are and how we play or sing together, but we’re also rehearsing music for the performance.”

In Grossman’s choruses, he likes to spend more time on warm-ups in the beginning of the year so he can “get everyone to listen to one another and see how they fit in with their groups.” Conversely, in Orchestra, “everyone’s more experienced playing than most of the singers are,” so he can begin music more quickly.

Similarly, Labedz described spending time “establishing some fundamentals of playing” and “getting the group dynamic” at the beginning of the year and “from there the pieces come a lot quicker.”

Although rehearsals start from day one, the songs that will be performed are not entirely decided until later, when the directors have a better idea of their groups.

Grossman said he’s “learned not to” decide on a definite list of songs before the first day because “it’s better to wait until I have a good idea of who’s there and what we’re working with.” He added, “I have a lot of things in mind, but I don’t make all of the decisions until I’ve had a chance to meet the groups a bit.”

Unlike later concerts in the year, like Winterfest, which centers around one theme, Harvestfest will be made up of a variety of music and styles.

“This year it’s kind of a random assortment of different pieces,” said Labedz,” explaining that many pieces were influenced by the Jazz Ensemble’s trip to New Orleans, Louisiana last year. “The wind ensemble, which is not a traditional Jazz of New Orleans type group, is doing a piece that has those influences.”

Grossman echoed this, saying, “We try to do lots of different things: music from different times and different places and different languages.”

Junior Liz Reikine, a member of Orchestra and String Ensemble, said that there will be a variety of music at this year’s concert. “There’s a nice balance from slower somber movements to faster exhilarating movements,” she explained, adding that she hopes the pieces are “as fun to listen to as they are to play.”

This year’s concert will be different from years past because Vocal Ensemble, a new group this year, will be performing for the first time. Vocal Ensemble is made up entirely of freshmen; accordingly, this concert will be the first at North for many members.

For Labedz, Harvestfest is especially enjoyable because for students who are new to the arts “it’s their first opportunity to experience what we do here,” which is “typically very different from what they’ve done previously.”

He also explained that it is his first opportunity to hear the groups in concert, which “kind of tells me what the groups are going to be like for the year.”

According to sophomore Rose Mooney, a member of Tiger Bebop and Family Singers, Harvestfest will showcase “what we worked so hard on these past few months.”

Senior Aaron Stone, a member of Jubilee, Tiger Bebop, and Jazz Ensemble, explained, “For underclassmen, this is a great time to look at what groups they would like to be in next year.” He added, “People should go to Harvestfest because it is a great opportunity to see the many talented musicians at North perform, and enjoy new types of music.”

Harvestfest is a free concert that will be open to all.

Preview: Harvestfest to showcase talented musicians, singers with new addition of Vocal Ensemble was last modified: November 16th, 2016 by Amy Morrill

According to music teacher Richard Labedz, the director of the groups, “many students playing several instruments.” Labedz added that the goal of the concert was to celebrate music.

The concert began with Brass Ensemble playing “A Welsh Lullaby” arranged by K. Lee Scott. Its moderate pace, mezzo forte, and drawn out melody gave it a true lullaby feel.

Later, Flute Quartet displayed “Rose Cottage” from “An Gaelic Tiodhlac,” that continued a peaceful tune. There was a unity that at some moments sounded like wind whistling.

The concert continued with the Saxophone Ensemble, which performed both “Les Plaisirs” by G.P. Teleman and “Reflections” by J. Brahams. The bright and youthful melody gave them teasing, yet celebratory feelings.

A highlight of the concert was Ceili, a student-run group that plays traditional Scottish and Irish folk music. While these musicians are not traditionally in the concert, Labedz added the students “just started playing lunch blocks, X-blocks, and after school.” He put them in to “start celebrating” their music. The group consisted of an accordionist, two violinists, a bassist, a pianist, and a drummer. They played several upbeat songs, and it was clear that these musicians were passionate about their music from their energy and confidence. Contrary to the black and white dress of the other groups, Ceili members wore green shirts, plaid shirts, and sweaters.

All the ensembles came together to play “Kronos” by Robert W. Smith. It had a familiar, patriotic tune and showed could unite together like professionals. The dramatic music was accented by a unique, muffled popping sound in the background with drums rolling, which it seemed appropriate for the arrival of royalty.

Next, the Wind Ensemble played “Second Suite in F” by Gustav Holst. The sounds ranged from heavy, low, and mellow to faster and urgent. Throughout the piece, the percussion sections kept a fast tempo.

The Wind Ensemble joined with the Symphonic Band to Play “High School Cadets” by John Phillip Sousa.

All the groups joined to end the concert with “Sun Cycles” by Brian Balmages, and it was an epic ending to a great concert. An urgent and catchy drumbeat held the piece together. The song concluded with a fast, bright melody that tied the concert together and left the audience satisfied. The talented musicians in Winterfest I appealed to the audience of parents, grandparents, and siblings, allowing them to enjoy the students’ complex, passionate performance.

[divider]Winterfest II[/divider]

by Nour Chahboun

Audience members were captivated as powerful, breathtaking music filled the auditorium during Winterfest II Thursday.

Orchestra, Concert Choir, and Family Singers, all directed by music teacher Adam Grossman, performed powerful pieces that left a lasting impression on audience members. Nobel Prize performer Lynn Chang, ’71, performed with the Orchestra as a special guest.

The concert began with Orchestra, playing “Summer (from the Four Seasons)” by Antonio Vivaldi. The piece was broken up into three movements, accompanied by sonnets read by senior Ethan Smith. The first of the three movements, “Allegro non molto,” started out with a haunting and alarming melody that excited the audience. As musicians impressively picked up the pace, a loud and powerful crescendo filled the room. Surprisingly, the end was sweet and peaceful with quick strokes mixed with high notes, leaving a youthful, lasting effect.

“Adagio e piano,” the second movement, started with Chang playing a high and piercing tone on the violin. The piece consisted of a call and response between Chang and the Orchestra. Chang played peaceful and serene high tones, which contrasted Orchestra’s loud and frantic melody.

Next was “Presto,” which began with a busy, rapid tempo, expressing beautiful urgency. The ending was purposeful, and Grossman’s nod to the performers made it clear that Orchestra’s inspiring performance had been perfectly executed. Moved by the piece, the audience gave a standing ovation.

Next, Chang gave a speech commemorating both his former music director at North and current director Adam Grossman. Chang described his past music director as an influential person that “greatly inspired” him. He then played two traditional Chinese folksongs on the violin. His performance showed his passion for the instrument and received a standing ovation, with Orchestra stomping their feet to show recognition.

Concert Choir and Family Singers then joined the Orchestra on stage to perform “Mass in G” by Franz Schubert. Orchestra’s first movement in “Kyrie” was serene as the choruses sang in Latin. Soprano soloist junior Olivia Duvall, sang thrilling high notes.

The third movement, “Credo,” had a soft, dreamy feel, although in parts playfulness shone through. The final movement, “Agnus Dei,” began mysteriously, accompanied by the choruses. Orchestra ended the movement peacefully, each member clearly proud of the group’s performance

The concert was filled with beautiful pieces that made for an inspiring night for all.

Every year at North, the music department celebrates autumn with the annual Harvestfest concert. Harvestfest is a two-part concert, which will begin with Harvestfest I Wednesday and continue with Harvestfest II Thursday, both at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.

Harvestfest I

by Amy Morrill

As the first concert of the year for many of North’s musical groups, Harvestfest I will show the audience all of the work that has gone into their pieces.

Harvestfest I includes performances from Jubilee Singers, Tiger Bebop, Jazz Ensemble 1, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble. A variety of songs will be played, with styles ranging from classic band music to lyrical pieces.

The concert will begin with Symphonic Band playing “Joy” by Frank Ticheli. The Symphonic Band will then transition into a joint piece with Wind Ensemble titled, “Abracadabra,” by Steve Miller Band.

According to senior Swabira Mayanja, a member of Jubilee, one of her favorite songs to perform is “Be Like Him,” by Kirk Franklin, which Jubilee performs every year.

Manyanja added, “The audience can definitely look forward to different styles of music, with very talented performers.”

Band director Richard Labedz explained that as the first big concert of the year, a lot of “nervous but good” energy goes into performing.

“Harvestfest is by far my favorite night of the year,” said Mayanja. “It’s a first look at what the music department has worked on since the beginning of the year.”

Harvestfest II

by Rose Bostwick

Following the first part of the concert, Harvestfest II will continue to celebrate the fall season and spread joy to the audience through music.

Harvestfest II will include Concert Choir, Family Singers, Orchestra, and String Ensemble, all directed by music teacher Adam Grossman.

According to senior Elizabeth Wu, a member of Family Singers, one highlight of Harvestfest II is Family Singer’s performance of “Black is the Color of My True Love’s Hair” by Nina Simone. The song is complex, and involves many different sections.

“There are eight different vocal parts and a bunch of harmonies,” Wu said. “It’s really interesting to sing.”

Another high point of the concert is Concert Choir’s performance of “Jabula Jesu” by Stephen Hatfield, according to sophomore Martha Bennett, a member of Concert Choir. “It has been interesting to work on because it is sung a capella,” Bennett said. “Learning to sing without accompaniment has been an interesting part of the process.”

According to Bennett, the most interesting part of preparing for Harvestfest has been “learning the music with the people around you and getting to know everyone involved.”

Wu noted that Family Singers rehearses every day. “It’s really cool to see the progress we have made since the beginning of the year,” she said.

Harvestfest I and II are free concerts, but there is a suggested donation of $5 to attend.

Preview: Harvestfest to celebrate fall season was last modified: November 18th, 2015 by The Newtonite

Hundreds of audience members enjoyed catchy, lighthearted tunes May 21 at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria as part of Pops Night, an annual concert held by North’s music department to celebrate the culmination of the year’s musical season.

After a casual potluck dinner for guests and students, the Clarinet Ensemble kicked off a fun, entertaining evening with their performance of “Super Mario Bros. Theme,” composed by Koji Kondo, and “Ghostbusters Theme,” composed by Ray Parker, Jr. Hearing the peppy renditions of the familiar theme songs engaged the audience and brought smiles to the faces of many.

Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band followed, performing four songs together. Conducted by senior Molly Dalzell, the two groups combined gave a powerful performance of “Centuries,” performed by Fall Out Boy. The high notes of the flutes contrasted with the low notes of the other instruments, creating an energizing, rapidly charged piece.

Next, Concert Choir performed “Carrying the Banner” from the musical Newsies, a motivational, upbeat tune about staying positive throughout hectic city life that energized the audience.

Orchestra followed with an impressively unique and dramatic medley of songs from the musical Wicked. Audience members immediately recognized the tune that followed as “Uptown Funk,” performed by Bruno Mars. The catchy, well-orchestrated rendition of the popular song was a highlight of the night that led to cheering and dancing, and left almost everyone clapping along.

Next, the Family Singers performed two songs, one of which was “I See Fire” by Ed Sheeran. Angelic voices soared through the cafeteria during this slower piece, which featured many impressive solos.

Dressed in all black, the Jubilee Singers brought the night to a more solemn close with three songs that reflected current events. Opening with a medley of songs from throughout African-American history, the Jubilee Singers covered slavery, the civil rights movement, and racism today in the first piece.

Next, the Jubilee Singers performed an inspiring rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Starting in unison then diverging into complex harmonies, the group began the national anthem brought the audience to their feet.

In the night’s final piece, the Jubilee Singers brought awareness to police brutality against African-Americans with the protest song “I Can’t Breathe,” a tribute to Eric Garner. Junior Swabira Mayanja led the choir in this powerful piece, singing “We ain’t gonna stop ‘til people are free.” Filled with emotion, the piece was striking and unforgettable for the strong delivery given by the performers and its overall message.

Music teacher Richard Labedz conducts a group at Winterfest II last night. Photo by Josh Shub-Seltzer.

by Rose Bostwick

Audience members were captivated by a range of both graceful and dynamic music last night in the auditorium at Winterfest I, featuring performances from the Chamber Ensembles (small groups of four musicians in which all members play the same type of instrument), Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble.

Trumpet Ensemble, one of the Chamber Ensembles, opened the concert with a lively, harmonious piece called “Canzon per Sonare No. 4,” composed by Giovanni Gabrieli. The piece had a complex melody and a majestic quality, both of which showcased impressive talent in the musicians and left the audience captivated and excited for more.

Photo by Josh Shub-Seltzer.

Flute Ensemble, directed by professional flutist Mania Washio, took the stage next to perform “Sarabande” by Claude Debussy. The piece began with a light and ethereal quality, then gradually built up individual parts between the four members of the Flute Ensemble to create a vibrant sound showcasing harmonies that flowed together beautifully.

Next, Clarinet Ensemble, performed two entertaining pieces, which contrasted with the previous performances. The second piece, “Super Mario Bros. Theme,” composed by Koji Kondo, was a peppy rendition of the popular video game’s theme song. Hearing the upbeat rendition of the familiar song energized the audience and brought smiles to the faces of many with its catchy tune.

After the Chamber Ensembles, Symphonic Band took the stage. Symphonic Band, directed by music teacher Richard Labedz, performed two songs that delighted the audience. Conducted by student teacher Markeis Russel and written by Larry Daehn, “A Song for Friends” was a slow, lyrical piece that clearly showcased the students’ talent. Harmonies blended perfectly together, making for a very pleasant song to hear.

Following Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble, also directed by Labedz, began their three-piece performance with “Storm Chasers” by Larry Neeck. A clear highlight of the night, this piece presented a variety of tempos and different elements and an assortment of parts from each section of the ensemble. Chimes from the percussion section created a twinkling, slow sound resembling rainfall, and were interspersed with a varied mix of parts from the other members of the ensemble. This layered style created a fun, invigorating piece, reminiscent of a movie soundtrack.

Photo by Josh Shub-Seltzer.

After performing their three pieces, guest eighth grade band members from Bigelow and F.A. Day Middle School joined Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band for a performance to remember. First, the musicians performed “Blue Ridge Reel” by Brian Balmages, a fun piece influenced by bluegrass style. Next, “The Thunderer,” written by John Philip Sousa brought the night to a fitting close with a powerful, triumphant sound, providing the perfect ending to a memorable night.

Review: Winterfest I features skilled performers, wide array of pieces was last modified: February 5th, 2015 by Rose Bostwick

Jubilee Singers performed at Harvestfest earlier this year. Photo by Josh Shub-Seltzer.

UPDATE 1/28/2015: Due to the inclement weather, Winterfest I has been postponed to Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. Winterfest II will remain tomorrow at the updated time of 8 p.m.

In honor of the winter season, student musicians perform annually in Winterfest, a concert featuring six of this school’s music groups. This unique music event is split into two parts: Winterfest I and Winterfest II Wednesday, Jan. 28 and Thursday, Jan. 29, respectively, in the auditorium.

[divider]Winterfest I[/divider]

by Amy Morrill

Winterfest I will feature Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band, both directed by music teacher Richard Labedz. The two groups will perform a medley of classic band music.

The concert will begin with smaller groups of Wind Ensemble. The trumpet ensemble will play the first piece of the evening, “Canzona per Sonare No. 4” by Giovanni Gabrieli.

Labedz said that a highlight of the concert for him is the piece “Stormchasers” by Larry Neeck, which will be played by Wind Ensemble. The entertaining number includes “elements that feel like a movie soundtrack,” he said. Though at first Labedz was not particularly fond of the song, over time it grew to become one of his favorites.

This year’s concert will include big group pieces, with Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band combined. Some eighth-grade band members will also be joining them.

“This concert is really about the involvement of everybody,” said Labedz. “It’s about all of the students working together.”

Senior Irene Golden, a member of Wind Ensemble, said that her favorite part of Winterfest is to display the group’s hard work. She also enjoyed hearing other ensembles, who play different instruments and musical pieces.

“For Wind Ensemble specifically, we get to showcase some of our individual sections in a chamber music context,” added Golden.

According to senior Molly Dalzell, a member of the Wind Ensemble, she enjoys hearing North’s music ensembles in new combinations.

“It’s a pretty unique experience: to hear and play Wind Ensemble music in a smaller group setting,” said Dalzell.

[divider]Winterfest II[/divider]

by Rose Bostwick

Concert Choir, Family Singers, and Orchestra join together in this year’s Winterfest II, also known as the Ray Smith Memorial Concert, to present two of Beethoven’s pieces: “Choral Fantasy,” and “Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage.” Additionally, Orchestra will present a piece of its own: “Divertissement” by Jean Berger.

Winterfest II features classical pianist and North alumnus Constantine Finehouse as a special guest. Finehouse will perform “Choral Fantasy” with the ensembles at the concert. His performance has been funded and supported through the Lillian Radlo Resident Artist Fund.

According to music teacher Adam Grossman, who directs all three ensembles, “Choral Fantasy” is not a typical piece, as it is one of the only ones from Beethoven that includes solo, piano, and orchestra.

“It’s an unusual thing for high school students to perform such a large Beethoven piece,” Grossman said. “I am very excited about it.”

Freshman Katherine Ho, a member of Concert Choir, said she has enjoyed participating in Winterfest, because she “gets a chance to perform with Family Singers.”

According to fine and performing arts head Todd Young, the concert provides a meaningful opportunity for students involved, who may never have performed pieces on this scale before.

“To engage in works of this size and caliber is significant,” Young said. “This could be an experience students remember for the rest of their lives.”

There is a suggested donation of $5 for the concert.

Update: Preview: Winterfest to display wide variety of talent in two-day event was last modified: January 28th, 2015 by Rose Bostwick